Liam Sceats is gearing up for a pivotal 2025 motorsport season following a breakthrough campaign in 2024. The 19-year-old New Zealander has his sights set on an Indy NXT seat, with efforts ongoing to secure his place on the grid.
Sceats made waves during October’s Indy NXT Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, delivering a standout performance with a top-five result.
“USF Pro 2000 veteran Sceats has not been named to a car yet for the 2025 Indy NXT season but grabbed attention up and down the IMS pit lane with his performance,” read Indy NXT’s official press release.
This impressive test followed a successful 2024 season in both New Zealand and the United States.
Sceats claimed eight podiums, including three wins, in the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship, finishing as series runner-up. His highlight came at Highlands Motorsport Park, where he fended off a spirited challenge from Callum Hedge to win the 68th New Zealand Grand Prix.
Transitioning to North America, Sceats drove for TJ Speed Motorsports in the USF Pro 2000 Championship. He secured fifth place in the standings, achieving five podiums, including one victory.
During the off-season, the Auckland-based driver remains busy, preparing for the next phase of his career. “There’s a lot in the pipeline, and I’m making steady progress,” Sceats said. “I will no doubt keep pushing 200 per cent to get things in place.”
Sceats has also taken on a new role as a simulator coach, mentoring a driver preparing for the 2025 New Zealand summer series. “It’s been rewarding working alongside him and seeing his development,” he added.
Earlier this month, he returned from Indianapolis after attending the PRI Show, the world’s largest motorsport trade show. “The trip was all about networking and connecting with potential partners in the US market,” he explained. “I’m hopeful it will open up some great opportunities.”
He also participated in a sit-down interview for the upcoming documentary Kiwis Born to Fly 2. “It was an amazing experience to be part of,” he added. The film is a sequel to Kiwis Born to Fly 1, which premiered on Sky Sport and featured globally on Air New Zealand flights.
In addition to his off-track activities, Sceats has remained involved with Toyota Gazoo Racing, assisting with shakedowns of the FT60 cars for the upcoming Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship. In a single day, he completed 260 laps—710 kilometers over seven hours—driving 12 different cars. “A big day, but I’m grateful for the opportunity. It was great training too,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Sceats is optimistic about the future; “Stay tuned—I’m hoping to make a big announcement in the new year. While things aren’t finalized yet, I’m doing everything I can!”
Header Image: USF Pro 2000
